by The Schmooze

Created on: January 21, 2008

When it comes to rating managers, the yardstick is quite simple success. The world of soccer has been graced by many a great manager. Here's my list of the best of the lot:

Sir Alex Ferguson Premiership titles, FA Cups & a UEFA Champions league crown are all in Man U's trophy cabinet thanks in no small part, to Sir Alex. The fact that he has spent 21 years in a club of Man U's stature is commendable. Like any good wine, he seems to be getting better with age. No wonder he just can't get himself to retire.

Fabio Capello The new England boss has achieved success in nearly all the clubs he has managed (Roma, Juventus.) More recently, he led Real Madrid to a La Liga crown after a long lean spell. Many have criticized his supposed negative approach to the beautiful game, but i personally don't see what's so negative about winning trophy after trophy.

Vicente del Bosque He came to the fore as manager of Real Madrid during their glory days either side of the new millenium. He commanded the respect of players & fans alike. The fact that Real couldn't get themselves to win anything after he left in itself says a lot. His reading of the game was superb & he had the ability to change his tactics to suite particular situations, to devastating effect.

Arsene Wenger - the eleven seasons he has spent at Arsenal have been some of the club's most memorable. He has an eye for talent as it is developing, and his almost miserly spending has worked out well in his & Arsenal's favour. Add to this the fact that Arsenal's brand of football is quite attractive & you begin to see why he is among a rare breed of managers.

Sir Bobby Robson A master tactician. He brought success to the likes of Barcelona & Benfica. The fact that he was still at it well past his 65th bitthday shows just how good he was. The true gentleman, he let his teams do his talking & very rarely did they disappoint.

Jose Mourinho The self proclaimed Special One. A one time translator, he learnt the trade from the likes of Bobby Robson to become one of the most successful managers today. Sure, the guy is brash & full of himself. But when you've experienced the kind of success he has in such a short time, it is hard not to be. He is bold enough to make substitutions 15 minutes into a game & never shyes away from changing tactics mid-match.

Aime Jacquet he makes it to my list for guiding France to their first & only World Cup title in 1998. He was quite enthusiastic & passionate about his managerial duties.

Marcello Lippi His record at Juve was impeccable. Another gaffer criticized for a more defensive approach to the game. His laid back approach to managemant has brought him numerous accolades, the last of which was the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy.

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